I recently switched from the OEM alloy wheels to OEM steel wheels. Probably doesn't matter, but not the stock steel wheels that these trucks actually run - the stock steel wheels typically used for spares. Anyway, my lug nuts have washers on them. With the steel wheels, these washers rattle freely. Took me a while to figure out what the noise was...I can ignore it, but I'd rather not.

So I'm hoping to verify: Steel wheels don't need washers? Correct? I've never really tried to understand which lug nuts are compatible with which type wheel. I'm looking to buy all new lug nuts and want to make sure I can go washer-free.

Thanks!

 

Correct. Steel wheels get a standard "conical" lug nut, aluminum get washers due to dissimilar metals.

You can typically buy packs of 16, 20, or 24 lug nuts to change them all out at once. I've done this a few times. The difference in price is the coating on the outside, and hardness of the metal. A good stiff metal won't deform over time, and a better outer coating keeps them from rusting up.

 

At least a couple of years ago,

Costco tire center has lug nuts cheap............. (had some broken studs on car, nut stayed with stud)

 

Great, thanks.

 

Yea, the shank seat lug nuts do not engage correctly against the conical seats on those steel wheels. Get those swapped out ASAP.

 

The OEM aluminum wheel lugnuts can handle steel wheels. They were designed that way so you could mount the spare.....

 

/\ /\ /\ True - the bottom edge of the shank has the 60 degree (?) bevel on it. The beveled area is smaller than on a non-shank style lug nut, but since it is working with steel wheels, it doesn't need to be any bigger.

 

steel / alloy

 

My OEM nuts are both tapered and "washered", so they can work for both. That's why the washers are jangling. The nuts are on tight, but the washers float free. The photo SomedayJ posted with the washer looks like an aftermarket nut. Admittedly I do have a couple of those...I've started breaking lugs and the OEM nut is stuck on the broken lug so I've been replacing with the style shown in the photo. Which was fine until I switched to steel wheels earlier this year. I have three of those type. All the same, I want to replace mine so I don't hear the jingling as I drive in town with my windows down.

Being lazy and not wanting to take off a nut...the stock steel spare wheels ought to be acorn/conical/taper, not ball/radius seat, correct? So these would work?

 

My 2 88 4Rs came with these steel wheels:



and lug nuts like the one in the left (the pic of my previous post)

I got the alloy rims later:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...l#post52468120

and I bought the lug nuts with washers (like the one in the left) from a Toyota dealership, they are OEM.

 

Ok, thanks.

I got over my laziness. OEM nut on the right, aftermarket (Oreilly) on the left. And my wheel kinda looks more ball than conical...I'd really need examples side by side to tell.

 

Yes, you can definitely use lug nuts without washers on steel wheels. In fact, many people prefer to use them without washers because it can help reduce noise. There are a few different types of lug nuts that are compatible with steel wheels, so be sure to check compatibility before making your purchase. Thanks for the question!